The Gist: A devastating residential fire early Monday morning on Macedonia Road in Coweta County resulted in the deaths of six individuals and left five others injured.
The Details:
- Time of Incident: 4:57 a.m., Monday, June 17
- Response Time: First unit arrived within 9 minutes
Upon arrival, Coweta County Fire Rescue found over 50% of the home engulfed in flames, with fire visible from the roof. Firefighters immediately initiated fire suppression and search and rescue operations.
Rescue Efforts:
- First Victim Located: 5:08 a.m.
- All Victims Evacuated: 5:16 a.m.
- Individuals Inside: 11 people accounted for
Despite the firefighters’ life-saving efforts, six individuals succumbed to their injuries. The remaining five were transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, some with serious injuries. A firefighter also sustained minor injuries.
By The Numbers:
- Fatalities: 6
- Injured: 5 transported to hospital
- Firefighters Injured: 1 minor injury
About Fire Response Times: Nationally, fire departments aim to meet standards set by the National Fire Protection Association, which recommends a total response time of approximately 6 minutes and 31 seconds for urban areas. In Georgia, the average fire department response time is approximately 7 minutes, which is slightly above the national average of around 6.4 minutes.
Why It Matters: This tragic incident shows the critical importance of fire safety measures and the need for robust emergency response capabilities. The loss of six lives is a stark reminder of the potential dangers of residential fires.
What You Can Do:
- Fire Safety Checks: Ensure your home has working smoke detectors and an emergency escape plan.
- Support: Reach out to local authorities to see how you can assist affected families or contribute to community support efforts.
What’s Next?: Authorities will continue to investigate the cause of the fire and provide updates to the public as more information becomes available.
Your Take: What do you think of the Coweta County Fire Department’s 9 minute response time?
